McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Mini Pizzas

As a teacher and a mom of three, I know firsthand what it’s like to arrive home after a long day with zero energy left for meal prep. The last thing I want is a complicated recipe or a fight with my kids about what’s for dinner. We need meals that are fast, fun, and guaranteed to be a hit around here. This post is sponsored by McCain Smiles. All views are that of our own.

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be honest, getting kids to eat something new can be a battle. But what if the “new” thing is built with a food they already know and love? That’s the genius of McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Mini Pizzas. They take the classic, crispy, and fun-shaped McCain Crispy Mashed Potato Smiles—and turn them into a creative and delicious meal the whole family can help make. No fuss, no mess, just a weeknight dinner win that can be prepped ahead of time.

The “crust” is a base of McCain Smiles, which you can easily be topped with your favorite pizza sauce, cheeses, and topping. With this quick and tasty meal idea, you’re not fighting with dough or waiting for anything to rise. The kids can get hands-on and become their own little chefs, which makes them far more likely to eat the final product.

A Meal the Kids Can Help Make (And Will Love!)

Think of the McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Mini Pizzas as a build-your-own pizza night, minus the mess of flour and yeast. Here’s how easy it is to get the kids involved:

1. The Base: Start with a baking sheet full of McCain Smiles. No rolling, no kneading.
2. The Sauce: Let your kids spoon or spread a little bit of their favorite pizza or tomato sauce on each potato smile. This is where the fun begins—a little mess is part of the process!
3. The Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella/cheddar is a must.
4. The Toppings: This is where you can get creative and even sneak in some veggies! Think mini pepperoni, diced peppers, olives, or onions.

This process transforms a simple meal into a fun, engaging activity. It teaches kids about cooking and gives them a sense of ownership over what they eat. The best part? The total prep time is minimal, so you can still get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, even on the most hectic of evenings.

Why It’s the Perfect Solution for Busy School Nights

• Quick & Easy: From freezer to plate in minutes. No complicated steps or long cooking times.
• Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer gets all the cooking action.
• Customizable: You can cater to picky eaters by letting them choose their own toppings. One kid wants just cheese. No problem. Another wants pepperoni. Easy!
• A Familiar Favorite, Reimagined: It takes a product your kids already know and love and turns it into a full, balanced meal. Pair it with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies for a complete dinner.

So, the next time you’re staring into the freezer, wondering what to make, reach for a bag of McCain Smiles. They’re more than just a side dish; they’re a fun, fast, and delicious way to bring the family together in the kitchen. It’s a win for your taste buds, your sanity, and your kids’ love for getting their hands a little messy.

Topping Ideas for McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Mini Pizzas

The beauty of this kid-friendly recipe is that you can 100% cater the topping to what you family loves. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Pepperoni
• Sausage
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Sweet/hot peppers
• Black olives
• Extra cheese (mozzarella, cheddar)
• Bacon
• Ham
• Pineapple
• Jalapeños
• Basil
• Tomatoes

Making Mini McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Pizzas

1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C).

2. Arrange the McCain Crispy Mashed Potato Smiles in a single layer on the air
fryer basket.

3. Air fry for 7 minutes, (flipping halfway), or until golden and crispy.

4. Remove the air fryer tray/basket.

5. Carefully ad a teaspoon of pizza sauce to each.

6. Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese over each McCain Crispy
Mashed Potato Smile.

7. Top the cheese with your desired toppings: pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, ham,
and/or pineapple chunks.

8. Return the baking sheet to the air fryer and air fry for an additional 3 minutes, or
until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the toppings are heated through.

9. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Back to School Mealtime Tips (From a Teacher)

1. Meal plan it out. Spend 15 minutes each weekend planning your dinners for the week. This saves you from the daily “what’s for dinner?” panic. I started posting a menu in the kitchen to help keep me accountable with weeknight dinners.
2. Prep ahead. Chop veggies, cook grains, and portion out snacks on a Sunday. Future you will thank you! We chop veggies up on sundays for salads, quiche, pizzas, and recipes like these McCain Smiles Mashed Potato Pizzas.
3. Embrace leftovers. Cook extra! Leftovers are perfect for quick lunches or a super-easy second dinner.
4. Keep it simple. You don’t need a gourmet meal every night. Quick and easy recipes are your best friend during the busy school week. That’s why McCain Smiles are always on our shopping list—they’re the perfect, simple side dish for a hectic night. We love how they contain no artificial colors, flavors, and are made with just potatoes and seasoned with sea salt! We love cooking them in the air fryer which gets them perfectly crispy with a fluffy inner!
5. Stock your pantry. Keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer with essentials like McCain Smiles, pasta, canned beans, and frozen veggies. This makes it easy to whip up a meal even when you haven’t been to the grocery store.